Congratulations on your acceptance to Northeastern University and welcome to CAMD! You are joining a dynamic, intellectual, and creative community that will challenge and prepare you for a career in your chosen discipline. We look forward to seeing you on campus. If you have any questions, please contact Jon Bernstein, Senior Director of Student Enrollment, at [email protected] .
Orientation & Welcome Week
Orientation is mandatory for all new students. Visit Northeastern’s Student Orientation and Parent/Family Programs for information on registration, travel recommendations, and the itinerary.
Before you arrive
Before arriving at CAMD to begin your undergraduate program, we suggest reviewing the below list of administrative tasks and completing any required materials—so you can concentrate fully on your studies.
All issues associated with bill payment, late fees, and billing discrepancies should be addressed directly with the Office of Student Financial Services.
Our goal is to make students feel right at home. The Northeastern campus has a variety of housing options for first-year students, each one unique and made to provide the best living experience for every student. Information about on-campus housing can be found at Housing and Residential Life.
International students are an important part of our community. Visit the Office of Global Services to review the requirements and services available to assist you as you make the transition from your native country to the United States.
The health and well-being of our undergraduate students is a priority. Please review the important information below to ensure you meet the requirements of Massachusetts state law and understand your healthcare options.
Health Report
All students must submit a health report that includes a physical exam within the last 12 months, documentation of a tuberculosis test within the last 10 years, and proof of immunity to tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella. Please download the University Health Report form from University Health and Counseling Services, and return it no later than 30 days prior to the start of classes. If you do not submit the form, Health Services will block you from registering for your second semester at Northeastern.
Please download the University Health Report form from University Health and Counseling Services, and return it no later than 30 days prior to the start of classes. If you do not submit the form, Health Services will block you from registering for your second semester at Northeastern.
Health PLANS
Undergraduate students are automatically charged for the Northeastern University Health Plan. If you have comparable Massachusetts-required insurance, you may elect to waive the Northeastern health plan by the waiver deadlines. The waiver form is available on myNortheastern.
Laptop
Due to the nature of many of the software programs used in architecture, students are encouraged to use Windows computers. We do not recommend the use of Macs in this program.
One of the most important things to prioritize is RAM (more cores, more power). RAM (random access memory or, commonly, “memory”) enhances your computer’s ability to multitask, an important function as you learn to use a variety of architecture and creative software. More CPU cores can increase the speed of computing complex renderings or analysis.
The School of Architecture recommends a laptop with the following:
-
- Minimum 6-core Intel i7 Processor; purchase Intel i9 or Xeon if possible
32 GB of RAM - 1 TB Solid State Drive (SSD) for OS and applications
- 15” display with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080
- Use of cloud storage such as the university-provided OneDrive to store your work
- Minimum 6-core Intel i7 Processor; purchase Intel i9 or Xeon if possible
*Please note: Some of the rendering software (including Revit) that students will use for their studio work will only work with Windows. Apple silicon-based Macs (M1, M2, M1 Pro, etc.) do not run Windows and are not compatible with Revit and other applications commonly used in the program.
Accessories
- An external mouse.
- A 64 GB USB flash drive.
- A 21” or larger external monitor is helpful but not required.
- We recommend storing your data in a cloud service such as Microsoft OneDrive. This ensures you’ll be able to access your files wherever you are, and even if your computer is out of service for any reason. (Northeastern provides free access to Microsoft OneDrive) Cloud backup systems such as Backblaze are also recommended.
- An extended manufacturer’s warranty or other service arrangement, with accidental damage coverage, is highly recommended. You are responsible for maintaining your own computer.
If you have questions regarding computers/software, please contact the Northeastern University help desk at 617.373.HELP.
Architecture Software
The School of Architecture is committed to using software that is widely used in the architecture industry, and available for student use. The Adobe Creative Cloud suite allows students to manipulate graphics, transform images and prepare projects for presentations. Please purchase the most current versions of the following software programs by the first day of class:
Adobe Creative Cloud Student Edition
Northeastern University provides a license for Adobe Creative Cloud for as long as you’re enrolled as a student. Details are here:
https://adobe.northeastern.edu
Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture
Autodesk provides free access to most of their software for educational use: https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/featured
Once you’re on campus
Please review the Registrar’s Office academic calendar for important dates throughout the school year. CAMD seeks to expand opportunities for students to engage in academic, artistic, and cultural events that lead to research, creative projects, and programs—and enhance your Northeastern experience. We hope you’ll take advantage of the wealth of on-campus concerts, plays, lectures, conferences, and symposia, and that you will also get to know many of your fellow students and members of our exceptional faculty.
The Center for the Arts, CAMD’s art and research hub, presents vibrant programming with renowned and innovative artists and thought leaders, while also showcasing
the creative and intellectual dynamism of our faculty and students.
Whether you want to start your own business, play in a music ensemble, tackle design projects for real-life clients, or host a radio show, student clubs and organizations are a fantastic way to make your CAMD experience your own by doing what you love, both in and out of the classroom.
CAMD events, hackathons, and conferences are collaborative environments focused around a unifying theme. These interactive, forward-thinking events are designed to facilitate collaboration between students of diverse backgrounds and skill sets as they engage around shared passions and explore solutions to tangible, real-world issues.
Complete program information and course descriptions for all CAMD undergraduate degrees can be found in the course catalog. Course descriptions are arranged by subject and subject code in a large searchable, navigable, printable PDF file.
The Northeastern Husky Card is the official identification card of the university. You can also use it for building/dorm access, parking, laundry, printing, vending, off- and on-campus vendors, dining, library book check-out, discounts, and more.
New students will be provided with a Northeastern email address during orientation. If you have any problems, please contact InfoCommons at 617.373.4357 or [email protected]. Or stop by 184 Snell Library.
Student Financial Services in 354 Richards Hall issues parking permits for Northeastern students who wish to commute by car. To obtain a parking sticker, please complete the parking permit application
There are a variety of architecture software resources available for students for download for free or at a reduced price.
For First Year
You should have the following for the freshmen studio sequence:
- Adobe Creative Suite Design Student Edition
You can purchase the Cloud version via MyNeu (see Discounted Software)
You can buy the package outright from Creation Engine.
Note-Adobe has recently converted to a Cloud version of this software which requires a monthly fee but will allow you to access the software from any computer. - Autodesk AutoCAD Architecture
For Advanced Students
You may want to download the following:
Tutorials
The School of Architecture Runs a series of tutorials in the fall to help students develop the necessary software skills for studio.
Thees tutorials are recorded and can be viewed here.
All students have access via ITS to Lynda.com.
This program offers software training tutorials for all levels.
Peer Mentors
Peer mentors guide new students through the process of forging connections, setting and accomplishing goals, and finding new opportunities on and around campus. If you’re a first-semester student, be sure to connect with your peer mentor and participate in activities such as pizza and movie gatherings, scavenger hunts around campus and Boston, coffee chats, and outings to athletic events and performances. If you’re an upper-class student interested in being a peer mentor, sharing your own experiences, and coordinating activities with new students, please apply!
GPA: 3.000 and above; strong preference is given to those who have participated in a study abroad or co-op.
Candidates for Peer Mentoring for the Fall 2018 semester have been emailed with the position description and application materials on July 5, 2018. If you have any questions,
please contact Jen Schiffman at [email protected]
or 617.373.7164.
Peer Mentor Description[Link to TBD]
Peer Mentor Application[Link to TBD]
Recommendation Letter [Link to TBD]
Fall 2018 semester: July 20, 2018
Spring 2019 semester: To be determined